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White Magnolia Acupuncture and Tai Chi
5 ★★★★★ 32 Google reviews · Tai chi studio in Berkeley, California
Certified instruction — reviews and the studio's own info point to a recognized tai chi program or lineage (think Tai Chi for Health / Dr. Paul Lam, the Taoist Tai Chi Society, or a named family-style teacher). If credentials matter to you, ask which program the instructor is certified in and which style they teach.
Plan your first class
- Tai Chi for Arthritis & fall prevention gentle, joint-friendly classes — often based on the Arthritis Foundation / Dr. Paul Lam program — that may help with balance and stiffness; check the studio's schedule
- Beginners welcome all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or flexible to start
- Qigong & breathing qigong and breathing practice — gentle "moving meditation" — taught alongside the tai chi form
- Online & Zoom classes live online or Zoom classes you can follow along with from home
- Free / donation / in the park free, donation-based, or outdoor park classes — a low-cost way to try tai chi; confirm times on their site
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule whitemagnoliahealth.com — see the live class schedule and book
- Phone (510) 570-8195
Hours
| Monday | 9 AM–6 PM |
| Tuesday | 9 AM–6:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9 AM–6:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9 AM–6:30 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM–4 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“John has been thorough, attentive and so effective at identifying the root cause of my pain and I’ve been relieved to experience painless days for the first time in years!”
“I am finding that my balance is improving, and I've been able to gain many other things from this experience, which are subtle but noticeable.”
“I'm new to White Magnolia and new to Tai Chi & Chi Kung; I've come in at the beginning level.”
“I love practicing Tai Chi outdoors here!”
What students say
“This consisted of using acupuncture needles, connected to electrodes that made the muscles 'twitch' or contract and relax.”
“I am finding that my balance is improving, and I've been able to gain many other things from this experience, which are subtle but noticeable.”
“I am finding that my balance is improving, and I've been able to gain many other things from this experience, which are subtle but noticeable.”
“John is the utmost professional: full of information and willing to answer any and all questions, but also very kind and comforting.”
“John has been thorough, attentive and so effective at identifying the root cause of my pain and I’ve been relieved to experience painless days for the first time in years!”
From the reviews
This acupuncturist is AMAZING! I was visiting from out of town and needed some acupuncture. As an acupuncturist myself I love connecting with other professionals. John, the founder and lead acupuncturist did not disapooint.
John Luna Sparks expertly diagnosed my condition, treated me in three sessions, and the positive results have improved my daily life and restored my energy and ability to work immensely. I highly recommend this personable and CTM medical professional.
I made an appoiment witt John around June 2025 for neck spasms and headaches on my right temple. These were new symptoms for me. I hace suffered from regular headaches almost all of my life. My new symptoms were worrisome for me so I reached out to White Magnolia for alternative therapy.
I can't say enough good things about the care I'm receiving from John Luna-Sparks at White Magnolia. We've been working on my swollen and painful left knee as well as a left shoulder that wants to stay raised. John is an extremely knowledgeable practitioner who listens very well and educates as he goes.
New to tai chi? Start at White Magnolia Acupuncture and Tai Chi
White Magnolia Acupuncture and Tai Chi comes up as a beginner-friendly studio, going by its listing and students' reviews. If you've never tried tai chi, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first session. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — the movements are slow and gentle, you set your own pace, and many can be done seated if standing is hard. Second, there's nothing to buy and nothing to keep up with — wear comfortable clothes and flat, flexible shoes, and simply follow along. Third, all ages and abilities really are welcome — ask whether there's a dedicated beginners or all-levels class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most studios are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first tai chi class at White Magnolia Acupuncture and Tai Chi
Nervous about walking into a tai chi class for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good instructors expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a gentle warm-up, then learning a few slow movements of the form, step by step — no pressure to get it perfect, and you can rest or sit whenever you need to. What to wear: loose, comfortable clothing you can move in, and flat, flexible shoes (some studios practice in socks or bare feet). What to bring: water, and that's about it — there's no equipment to buy. Arrive a few minutes early to say hello to the instructor and mention it's your first class. It comes together faster than you'd think — most people feel far more at ease by their second or third visit.
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